SPLASH OF GOLD

I initially wanted to make calligraphic markings in the water…but somehow the graceful movements of the goldfish only needed a clear contrast between the indigo/sage green of the pond, the green fronds of the overhanging tree and clear white light from above. I used Chinese brushes, dry brush stokes and white paper to create this sunlit white bubbling air circling the water; and, its stillness suspended with smooth strokes, the mystery of the goldfish is enhanced by its golds, reds and oranges. The pale green fronds of the underwater plants circle protectively around the goldfish, the whole scene capturing the movement, stillness and timelessness of fish (disciples) swimming in the waters of life….....

CALIOPE (Cali Norton)

My life-long love of colours, brush-strokes, designs, patterns and calligraphy began early on when, as a child, I was taught to paint by my mother (whose Art College training was brought to a halt in 1939). I later took Art ‘A’ Level, specialising in Graphic Design. I continued to paint as a past-time during my whole teaching career, and am indebted to tutors such as George Cox, Christine Allinson and Janet Brady, all professional artists. Since retiring from full-time teaching, I have had the good fortune to have been tutored by excellent local professional artists such as Jake Winkle, Alison C. Board, and Nina Squire; and currently, Deborah Chisman continues to encourage and inspire me. I am a member of CLAS, NHA and SAA and believe wholeheartedly that:" Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life". I now continue to paint more than ever from the "inner landscape", letting the paint and the painting take over …… I particularly like working with textured landscapes; and enjoy experimenting with a wide variety of mediums (watercolours, pastels, inks, gouache, acrylics, gesso etc) and a variety of techniques (modelling paste, lino-printing and mono-printing, water-colouring on textured rice paper, marbling etc). Always passionate about Handwriting, and a Calligraphy enthusiast, I have also designed an original Pictographic Alphabet, which appears from time to time in my paintings.